Photodynamic Therapy for Treatment of Bowen`s Disease

Abstract

Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is increasingly used for superficial skin cancers. However, there have only been a few reports on Bowen’s disease treated with PDT in the Korean literature.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and side effects of PDT in the treatment of Bowen’s disease.

Methods: We treated 20 Bowen’s disease lesions in 15 patients using topical PDT containing 5-aminolaevulinic acid and a light-emitting diode device. The light intensity used was 100 mW/cm2 and the dosage was 140~220 J/cm2.

Results: Complete clearance was achieved in 17 of 20 lesions (85%) after 2~4 treatment sessions. The only side effect was a stinging sensation, which occurred in 5 lesions (20%).

Conclusion: PDT is a relatively effective and useful alternative therapy for treatment of Bowen’s disease.